P21A0: Cylinder 5 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance
2 vehicles · 1 makes
Most Reported On
P21A0 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Cylinder 5 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance.” Generic SAE J2012 code. Sets when the PCM detects that cylinder 5's air/fuel mixture is out of balance (too rich or too lean) compared with the other cylinders on its bank, based on oxygen/air-fuel sensor feedback correlated with crank/cam position. Applies to engines with five or more cylinders. It is an imbalance fault, not a misfire. This code is most commonly reported on 2014-2025 Audi SQ5, and 2009-2025 Audi Q5.
Common Causes
Diagnostic Tools
This is a powertrain code, so a basic OBD-II reader can read it. These read P21A0.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
by ANCEL
A simple code reader for engine (P) codes on many compatible OBD-II vehicles. It does not support every vehicle or hybrid/EV application, and it does NOT read body, chassis or network codes; confirm exact-vehicle compatibility before buying.
- Read & clear engine (P) codes
- View freeze frame data
- I/M readiness status
- No batteries or app needed
BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner
by BlueDriver
Bluetooth scanner with a companion app that reads beyond the engine module — ABS, SRS and transmission — plus manufacturer-specific codes on many vehicles.
- Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
- Repair Reports with verified fixes
- Smog check readiness
- Free app (iOS & Android)
LAUNCH CRP123X V3.0 Elite OBD-II Scanner
by LAUNCH
Handheld scanner covering the four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
- Live data stream & graphing
- AutoVIN for vehicle identification
- Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool
by Autel
Shop-level tablet with all-system coverage and bi-directional control, so you can command a module rather than only read it.
- All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
- Bi-directional control & active tests
- Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
What you can do yourself, and what needs a shop
Reading the code, clearing it, and watching whether it returns is a driveway job with the right scanner. These steps are not:
- Module programming or software updates — needs the manufacturer software or a J2534 pass-through with a paid subscription.
- Replacing a control module — most are VIN-programmed and immobilizer-registered, so a new one does nothing until it is coded to your car.
- Airbag/SRS component work — a stored fault can deploy a live device.
If the vehicle is still under warranty, check for an open recall or technical service bulletin before buying anything — the repair may already be covered.
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FAQ
What does P21A0 mean?
P21A0 stands for "Cylinder 5 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance." Generic SAE J2012 code. Sets when the PCM detects that cylinder 5's air/fuel mixture is out of balance (too rich or too lean) compared with the other cylinders on its bank, based on oxygen/air-fuel sensor feedback correlated with crank/cam position. Applies to engines with five or more cylinders. It is an imbalance fault, not a misfire.
What are the most common causes of P21A0?
The most common causes of P21A0 are: Faulty or clogged fuel injector on cylinder 5, Vacuum / intake leak near cylinder 5, Fouled spark plug or weak ignition coil on cylinder 5, Faulty oxygen / air-fuel ratio sensor, Contaminated MAF sensor, Weak fuel pump or faulty fuel pressure regulator, Low compression / mechanical issue on cylinder 5. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P21A0?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by P21A0?
Au7o has documented P21A0 across 2 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Audi.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.